BAMBOO SHOOTSWorks of fiction and poetry by friends of Bamboo Ridge Press.

8th Grade Education

How many dreams float away in the senko smoke of the shrine?: 146 word Theme #1 the shrine

Yamete, stop, okaasan scolds --
no crying
otosan's ashes sit silent on the mantle
as the minister starts the chanting again
Hayaku, hurry,
okaasan pushes me toward the shrine
I'm the oldest son, so I first,
pinch the incense, three times
put into the urn with the senko burning,
bow in prayer
namu ami da butsunamu ami da butsuKaiji and Takushi behind me,
then Mit-chan behind them.

I responsible for them now
plus okaasan, pregnant with her fifth child.
Even if I beg okaasan for let me go high school,
she say shikata ga nai,
it can't be helped.
She say I have to go Pioneer Mill,
get my bango
keep food on the table,
make sure Mit-chan and the boys finish high school.

I one man now
with one 8th grade education.
I feel my life
floating away in senko smoke.

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FEATURED ISSUE

Polihale and Other Kaua'i LegendsISBN: 0-910043-24-8This is Frederick Wichman's second collection of legends from the island of Kaua'i. The volume is rich in Hawaiian mythology and storytelling tradition and is accompanied by fine pen and ink drawings by Christine Faye.